First Aid

1. HHEEAADD
IINNJJUURRIIEESS
HEAD Trg03/1st Aid/Mod 3 & SPINAL INJURIES 1

2. LLeeaarrnniinngg OOuuttccoommeess
• Describe how to recognise suspected:
• concussion
• skull fracture
• cerebral compression
• Spinal injury.
• Administer first aid for suspected:
• concussion
• skull fracture
• cerebral compression
• Spinal injury.
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3. HHEEAADD IINNJJUURRIIEESS
The skull is usually able to provide
adequate protection for the brain if it
receives a blow to it. When the injury is
more serious the skull could fracture and
lead to damage to the brain.
All injuries to the head should be treated as
serious as they are potentially dangerous.
Medical assistance should be considered in
all cases.
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4. TTHHEE BBRRAAIINN
Cerebrospinal
Fluid
Cerebrum
Cerebellum
Medulla
Oblongata
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5. TTHHEE BBRRAAIINN
CCOONNSSIISSTTSS OOFF TTHHRREEEE CCOOMMPPOONNEENNTT PPAARRTTSS
Cerebrum – consists of two hemispheres (left
and right) – houses sensory functions, motor
functions and higher intellectual functions
such as intelligence and memory.
Cerebellum – co-ordinates movement
Brainstem – controls all the vital automatic
function, contains the medulla which controls
temp, heart rate, breathing, swallowing.
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6. TTYYPPEESS OOFF HHEEAADD IINNJJUURRIIEESS
 Concussion – can be thought of as a
‘shaking up’ of the brain.
 Compression – bleeding or swelling in
the cranial cavity
 Skull fracture – blunt or penetrating
trauma
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7. SSIIGGNNSS aanndd SSYYMMPPTTOOMMSS
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8. pupils
Normal
Unequal
Dilated
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9. AASSSSEESSSSMMEENNTT CCOONNTT....
P - Pupils
E - Equal
A - And
R - React
L - Light
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10. head injuries
Concussion Compression
Unconsciousness for a short period,
followed by an increase in levels of
response and recovery.
Could have a history of recent head
injury with apparent recovery, but then
deteriorates
Short term memory loss (particularly of the
incident). Confusion, irritability.
Levels of response become worse as
condition develops
Mild, general headache. Intense headache.
Pale, clammy skin. Flushed, dry skin.
Shallow / normal breathing. Deep, noisy, slow breathing.
(Pressure on the respiratory control area of the brain)
Rapid, weak pulse.
(Blood diverts away from the extremities)
Slow, strong pulse.
(Caused by raised blood pressure)
Normal pupils, reacting to light. One or both pupils dilate as pressure
increases on the brain.
Possible nausea or vomiting on
recovery.
Condition becomes worse. Fits may
occur. No recovery.
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11. compression
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12. CCoonnccuussssiioonn
 Sit a conscious casualty down or place in
recovery position if weak and unsteady
 If unconscious and breathing place into
recovery position
 Seek medical assistance as situation calls
for
 Monitor airway, breathing and response
levels (AVPU)
 Keep casualty calm and warm
 Do not let them resume play
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13. CCoommpprreessssiioonn
Treatment
 If conscious lay casualty down and raise the
head and shoulders
 Monitor airway, breathing and response
levels
 Loosen tight clothing
 Keep warm and reassure
 Dial 999 if not already done so
 If unconscious try to keep in position found
unless you have to leave them
 Be prepared to carry out CPR
 Do not give them anything to eat or drink
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14. SSKKUULLLL FFRRAACCTTUURREESS
 Occur mainly in two places
 The dome or vault (back of the skull)
this is usually due to direct force
 Base of the skull from indirect force
from a fall
 Consider always injury to the spine
 Look for obvious wounds
 Be aware of signs and symptoms of
concussion and compression
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15. SSKKUULLLL FFRRAACCTTUURREE
Recognition
 Evidence of a head injury and
unconsciousness
 Wound, bruise or depression in the skull
 Deterioration in response levels
 Fluids from the ears and nose
 Blood in the whites of the eyes
 Distortion of the head and face
 Associated spinal injuries
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16. SSKKUULLLL FFRRAACCTTUURREE
Treatments
 Dial 999 or 112 for an ambulance
 Control any bleeding and fluid loss
 If you suspect spinal injury do not move
casualty
 If unconscious but breathing keep them in
position you found them (neck and back
damage may be present)
 If you are UNABLE to manage the airway
turn them into the recovery position (use log
roll if you can)……
 If you are able to move them as NO neck
and spinal injuries are suspected raise the
head and shoulders
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17. SSKKUULLLL FFRRAACCTTUURREE
Treatments
 If you are able to move them as NO neck
and spinal injuries are suspected raise the
head and shoulders
 Monitor the vital signs – level of
consciousness (AVPU) breathing rate, pulse
rate, PEARL etc
 Treat for shock
 Be prepared to carry out CPR if required
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